Types of Machine Learning

Machine learning (ML) is an enabling technology for artificial intelligence (AI), one of the fastest growing areas of technology. While numerous advancements have been made in this field over the past twenty years, there are many reasons to believe that we have only scratched the surface of this technology’s potential. 

The three main types of machine learning are supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement. The two main types of models are classifiers and regressors. 

This post will discuss each of these types of ML and the two main types of models in detail to better understand how they work and what their unique advantages and challenges are. 

What Is Machine Learning?

Before we jump into the different types of ML, let’s first take a step back and understand what machine learning is and differentiate it from AI. 

Machine learning is a software engineering technique that computers use to analyze data, find learn complex patterns, and then generate code that captures those patterns in a “model.” A model, in this context, is software that returns an output for a set of inputs. For example, a simple ML model that predicts how much a house will sell for or how long it will stay on the market will use inputs like zip code, bedrooms, bathrooms, and the year it was built. 

Most of us have a common understanding of machine learning, but if you ask ten people what’s the difference between machine learning and AI you’re likely to get at least eleven different answers. We think of AI as running machine learning powered software autonomously with an ability for that system to continuously learn from new data without requiring human supervision. 

Machine learning is a powerful and complex technology. It allows us to capture more robust conditional (if, then, else) logic than us humans can explicitly program, which can be a huge advantage over being limited to humans telling computers exactly what to do. On the other hand, it is often harder to understand why an ML model makes a certain prediction than it is to explain human programmed code. 

Additional complexity not withstanding, machine learning has enormous potential to  tackle complex problems that we have been unable to solve using conventional programming techniques. 

How Does Machine Learning Work?

Machine Learning is a hot topic in the world of Artificial Intelligence. This subfield makes machine learning more powerful by allowing it to learn from data with specific inputs instead of just general ones! 

It’s essential for people who want their work done quickly and efficiently (or even at all) to understand what makes this type work so they can use its benefits now or later on when planning out future projects. 

The input of training data into a Machine Learning algorithm is the first step in what makes up that process. The type and amount can impact how it works. 

Machine learning algorithms are tested by feeding them new input data. The outcome of the test is then compared against how it would have been predicted had there not been any errors in its functioning. 

The method is re-trained multiple times until the data scientist achieves the desired result. This allows the machine learning algorithm to learn on its own and give the best answer, which improves in accuracy with time as it does so. 

Now that we have a basic understanding of machine learning, let’s look at the different machine learning types and algorithms. 

Types of Data ML Ingest

Before we get into the types of machine learning, it’s essential to understand the different types of data that can be used to train these algorithms. 

Two main types of data can be used for machine learning: labeled data and unlabeled data. 

• Labeled data is a data set categorized and labeled by a human. This type of data is often used for supervised learning, as it provides the algorithm with a clear understanding of the desired output. 
• On the other hand, unlabeled data is data that has not been categorized or labeled by a human. This type of data is often used for unsupervised learning, as it allows the algorithm to find patterns and relationships on its own. 

3 Types of Machine Learning 

There are three main machine learning algorithms: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. 

Supervised Learning

Supervised learning is a powerful machine-learning technique that can train an algorithm on labeled data. The strength of this method lies in its ability to work well when the input has been correctly classified, but there are some limitations due to it being dependent upon having accurately assigned labels for each piece within your dataset. 

Maintaining these supervised algorithms requires constant upkeep because new information may change what we think about our model’s predictions; however, if done right after enough time has passed (a few days), you’ll find yourself with one less thing to worry about. 

The supervised learning process allows algorithms to get started on problems by using smaller datasets that have been carefully curated with relevant information about an intended solution or problem. These training sets provide crucial insight into how the final data will look, giving these machine-learning models enough material to learn proper predictions before tackling larger issues. 

This algorithm is a powerful tool that can find relationships between variables in data. It does this by establishing cause and effect links among parameters given as input, making it possible to understand how one variable affects another more deeply related. 

Following are the most common supervised learning algorithms: 

Naïve Bayes Classifier Algorithm

The Bayes theorem is used to predict classes or categories based on features. The Naïve version of this classifier does not know other values and simply uses probability as its input value for prediction. Even though it is simple, the classifier does very well. People often use it because it is better than more sophisticated classification methods. 

Decision Trees 

Decision trees are a flow-based representation of all possible outcomes within decision-making. Each node represents one test, and each branch represents the result from that particular instance in which you evaluate variable values (or “tests”). 

Support Vector Machine Algorithm  

Support Vector Machine algorithms, a supervised learning model used for both classification and regression analysis. They work by providing training data examples, each set belonging either to one category or another–the algorithm then builds an intelligent system that assigns new values based on the input data given. 

Linear Regression 

The first, simplest form of regression is linear regression. Simple linear regression allows us to see how two continuous variables are related. 

Logistic Regression 

Method Logistic regression is a statistical technique that focuses on determining the likelihood of an event occurring based on past data. It’s used in cases where only two values, 0 and 1, count as outcomes (for example, Yes or No). 

Unsupervised Learning

Unsupervised machine learning is a powerful and effective way to work with unlabeled data, allowing programs to access datasets that would otherwise be too large for human beings. 

This technique is often used for finding patterns in data. It’s especially useful for exploring and summarizing large amounts of data and identifying anomalies that could indicate potential issues. 

Unsupervised learning is a process that allows machines to find relationships between data points without any human input. The algorithm creates hidden structures in this type of learning system, perceiving these connections abstractly with no labels for correspondences available from previous observations or studies on similar topics. 

Unsupervised learning algorithms are versatile because they create dynamic hidden structures that can adapt to the data. In contrast, supervised ones must always start with a set problem statement and follow it through. 

The following is one of the most common unsupervised algorithms: 

K Means Clustering Algorithm 

The K Means Clustering Algorithm is a type of unsupervised learning which can categorize unlabelled data. The process works by finding groups within the information and then grouping it based on features provided without any training. 

Reinforcement Learning

Human beings are social creatures. We learn from data in our lives, but how do you know if what your teaching is reinforced or discouraged? Reinforcement learning takes inspiration from this natural trial-and-error process, with rewards encouraging favorable actions and punishment stopping learners who didn’t work out so well after all. 

The concept of conditioning is at the heart of reinforcement learning. In every iteration, an algorithm will be put into a work environment with both a reward system and interpreter so it can condition itself to want or dislike certain things based on past experience 

In this way, AI learns how to act like humans do; by experiencing good moments alongside negative ones- all for their own sake! 

The following is one of the most common reinforcement learning algorithms:

Artificial Neural Networks 

An artificial neural network (ANN) is made up of ‘units’ that are strung together in a process called “layers,” each of which links to layers on either side. The information processing of the brain and how it responds to input is what ANNs are based on. ANNs are made up of a large number of interacting computing components that collaborate. 

ANNs (artificial neural networks) can learn by example and experience. They are helpful for modeling relationships in data that is difficult to understand. This allows them to figure out how different parts of the data are related. 

Also Read: Machine Learning Projects For Beginners and Advanced Learners

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve gone over the three main types of machine learning, you might be wondering which one is right for you. The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the type and size of data you’re working with, your computing resources, and your goals. 

If you’re just getting started with machine learning, supervised learning is probably the best place to start. It’s the most common type of machine learning, and it’s relatively easy to understand and implement.